Dame's Rocket

damesrocket, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Hmmm.. yesterday's post was a bit controversial, as it turns out, so it's back to landscapes and flowers today!

Please, if you've ever considered pledging to support my triathlon, now is the time - the event is on Saturday, and I need all the encouragement I can get to finish! Click on the "widget" or go to my triathlon training blog to learn more!

Art's Automotive

arts, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Another friendly neighborhood business in Sharon. I can't vouch for the quality of car care, as I usually go to a shop that's walking distance from my office. But I like Art's sign!

Lilac Lane

lilac lane, originally uploaded by jahansell.

There really is a Lilac Lane in Sharon, but this isn't it - I haven't been down the other one. This one is just someone's driveway, lined with fragrant lilacs in every shade from white to dark purple. I have only one lilac, myself, and it hasn't bloomed this year - I think because I transplanted it last fall. It looks healthy and happy, just no flowers! Alas, maybe next year!

Memorial Day Parade

Patriotic biker girl!, originally uploaded by jahansell.

It was hard to choose just one photo of the Sharon, CT Memorial Day Parade to represent the entire day - I have so many I like (and here they all are - please click and view and, if I do say so myself, I recommend the slideshow version!) I may yet switch to another phot, but please take a moment to view the set, as they give such a flavor of my small town and how everyone comes out on a day like this. We put politics and any other differences aside and just take a moment to remember those who died serving in the armed forces - simple as that.

Paula

Paula, originally uploaded by jahansell.

I said yesterday I'd post a picture of a presentation about Harriet Tubman that we went to at the school, but I didn't think any of the photos of the actress were very good. However I love this picture of my friend Paula and her daughter Alexis, who were attending the performance as well. Paula is a doctor, singer, and lively warm friend, but she's about to leave Sharon for Missouri, where she's been offered a position at a hospital that will bring much-needed health care to an underserved area, and allow her to pay off her student loans. Win-win for everyone except us, who will miss her!

Roaring Oaks

roaringoaks, originally uploaded by jahansell.

What a nice name for a flower shop, isn't it? I don't know what it means, exactly - how can oaks roar? But it sounds intriguing. I had a call from the m the other day - there were bouquets waiting there for my two daughters. I couldn't imagine who'd sent them - I knew my stepmother wanted to get them flowers for their ballet recital but that's not til next weekend. We walked over one evening (it's just around the corner and down the green) and found two lovely bouquets sent by my uncle, for their birthdays (Abbey's was in January, but who's counting!)

Tomorrow I"ll pause from my tour of downtown to show a picture or two from a play about Harriet Tubman we saw at the school last night.

Pappardelle

pappardelle, originally uploaded by jahansell.

One of our three (yes three) restaurants in town - Pappardelle serves very nice Italian food - I haven't been in a while but posting this photo makes me think it's time to go back.

Our fashion district

byzance, originally uploaded by jahansell.

We don't have much of a commercial area in town - if I had to guess I'd say we have maybe a dozen retail establishments, including the grocery store, laundromat, pharmacy, 2 wine stores, a flower shop, 3 auto repair shops, 2 hair salons, 3 restaurants, 3 bank branches, the "stove doctor," and 2 clothing and gift shops, of which this is one: Byzance, which imports from India and other interesting places. We also have plenty of professional offices and services- dozens of doctors and dentists, because of Sharon Hospital, as well as lawyers, insurance agents, travel agents landscapers therapists and the like, plus the gym I go to...for such a very small town, come to think of it, we've got a lot of business going on! Over the next few days I'll post a few more of these storefronts.

Sharon Country Club

golf course, originally uploaded by jahansell.

I'd been past here dozens, or maybe a hundred times, but never went in the entrance. I didn't go far - just a few steps in the driveway and I was on the golf course. I have friends who are members here, and was invited to a brunch here once (but didn't get to go.) I assume it's quite expensive to join!

Waiting

waiting, originally uploaded by jahansell.

I see her, along with her very enthusiastic dog, and her friendly son, out most evenings. She was waiting for the son, who was at the town meeting. I don't know their names, but now that I've blogged them I suppose it's time for introductions!

Covered bridge

Covered bridge, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Just a quick photo of the Covered Bridge fromt he West Cornwall side. It wasn't a particularly nice day, but it's always pleasant to stand by the river. Here's the river report from today, courtesy of Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop:
Monday May 21, 2007
River temp= 65
FLOW+++104o cfs
We had just under 1/2" of rain here this morning, which brought the river up a little, to 1040 cfs. This has not affected the fishing at all. Same action as yesterday, only warmer today. Tomorrow, too. Caddis and Grey Fox still best bet . More mayflies any time, keep your eyes open. Tight lines .

Weatherstone

Every year, Women's Support Services, which provides shelter, counseling and other assistance to victims of domestic violence throughout northwest Connecticut, puts on a huge benefit called Trade Secrets, a 2-day gardening event. The first day is a trade show, with rare plants and antiques, and the second day offers tours of some of the unusual and beautiful gardens. Weatherstone was built in 1765 (and rebuilt 7 years ago after a catastrophic fire) -- the grounds include formal and cutting gardens, a greenhouse, tennis courts, ponds, streams and waterfalls, acres and acres of horse paddocks, and various outbuildings. I've driven and jogged by it dozens of times, but never been on the rounds before - I had no idea how beautiful it is. Carolyne Roehm lives there - she was a fashion designer and now writes books about gardens, design, and entertaining, filled with photos of Weatherstone.

Many more photos here.

Here's more about WSS:
Our Mission:
The mission of Women's Support Services is to create a community free of domestic violence and abuse through intervention, prevention, and education. We offer free, confidential, client-centered services focused on safety, support, advocacy, and community outreach.

Women’s Support Services (WSS) is a non-profit organization that has provided critical services to victims of domestic violence and abuse in the towns of Salisbury, Canaan, Falls Village, Cornwall, Kent, Sharon and nearby New York and Massachusetts since 1981. Our services include: a 24-hour crisis hotline; emergency shelter; individual support counseling for adults & youths; legal, medical and social service advocacy; support groups; and community education and prevention programs. All WSS services are free of charge and totally confidential.

In the Past Year WSS Has Worked With:
612 adults
65 children

In Addition:
1,660 individual counseling sessions were provided
80 support group sessions were held for women & children
3,499 people attended violence prevention presentations
714 requests for information and referral were met
750 calls to our 24-hour hotline were answered

For more information about WSS call 860-364-1080.

lettuce now praise our local farms

lettuce now praise our local farms, originally uploaded by jahansell.

It's really cold here today - I was shivering when I went to Paley's to get some Moo Doo potting soil, (picked up some Shrimp and Seaweed compost too - YUM!) a few plants (I wanted things with purple foliage, got an Oxalis, an African Blue Basil and some sweet potato vines) and some snacks and veggies for Ella's birthday party. Tomorrow the sun returns, and I'll be volunteering at Trade Secrets, a huge annual event.(fundraiser for Women's Support Services.) I'm thrilled that I'll be stationed at Weatherstone, Carolyne Roehm's gorgeous home - I'll pray that she allows me to take a few pictures of her garden and grounds!

summer residents

summer residents, originally uploaded by jahansell.

It's a fact of life in spring and early summer: every field has its flock of summer folk. These are in residence at my kids' school in Lakeville. No chicks yet, but enough poop that it discourages much outdoor play in that area! They are fun to watch. Couples mate for life, and one always stands guard while the others eat. They'll waddle away slowly as you get nearer (though when I was in Pennsylvania, I was jogging along the canal in Yardley (w/o camera, alas) and 2 geese and a swan were hanging out there - I got within a foot or two of them. It would have been amazing to photograph the swan, but I was somewhat scared of him, too - they're much meaner than geese! Anyway, one other interesting factoid about geese: they can have a dozen or more babies, and I believe one might adopt or coopt the brood of another, combining them into one master flock!

white hollow horses

white hollow horses, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Took a quick ride down White Hollow Road, on a cloudy rainy day! I haven't photographed here before - but saw many spots I want to come back to, when the weather's better and I don't have two complainers in the back seat. "We're NEVER going to get home, because Mom keeps stopping to take ANOTHER picture!"

Another view

rick clocktower pic, originally uploaded by jahansell.

This great view of the clocktower, taken from 80 feet up in the air, was taken by my friend Rick. He was volunteering at the Congregational Church and went up on one of those "skyworkers." I've been in those before - I'd be gripping the side of it too tight to be able to take any pictures, so thanks, Rick!

Lush fields

lush fields, originally uploaded by jahansell.

and cows, always cows.

Unfurling

fern, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Everything is blooming, emerging, growing so fast - blink and you miss the moment!

light in the woods

light in the woods, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Just a lovely glade in the woods. Trees are leafing out and the colors everywhere are so soft and subtle. I'm out of town for the weekend so am using up my last Low Road shots but will return with a new batch shortly!

But I have an idea that I need some help with: I'd like to include a lot more people on this blog - at home, at work, doing whatever they do. But I always feel too shy to go up to folks and ask if I can take their picture. So if any of my local readers would like to help me on this quest by having their picture taken (a free portrait!) let me know!

fritillaria

fritillaria, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Another garden shot - these are so delicate - only about 5 inches tall (so you can imagine where I was to take this picture!)

bronze tree

bronze tree, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Up on Low Road, across from the cowfield. This color is not enhanced in any way!

Snowy trees

white trees, originally uploaded by jahansell.

What is there to say on a day like this - it's hot, sunny, everything is blooming... a gloomy dark and wet April has turned into a perfect May!

purple house

purple house, originally uploaded by jahansell.

It looks like something out of a fairy tale! Low Road, near Silver Lake.

bouquets for mom

bouquets for mom, originally uploaded by jahansell.

Not my kids - they belong to friends who live in Lakeville. But it's such a timeless image, isn't it?

deer in the woods

deer in the woods, originally uploaded by jahansell.

I took a picture of this very point in a snowstorm about six weeks ago - it's very photogenic! The deer was helpful - it posed quietly til I'd gotten my shot. Even the animals support SDP!

Sharon Classic!

Today was the Sharon Classic – the 5 mile road race for the day care. Full report (more than you ever want to know!) here!

turkey trot

turkey trot, originally uploaded by jahansell.

They're always out there, in one particular field on my way to and from work. They are shy and hard to photograph - I'll keep trying to get one in full display because it's a sight to see! If you want to get a REALLY good look, head over to Brookville Daily Photo- his shots from yesterday are amazing!

reaching up (bleeding heart)

reaching up (bleeding heart), originally uploaded by jahansell.

Since my epimedium was popular, here's another garden picture. (The Sharon Classic is on Saturday so no worries, I'll be back to the big picture soon!) But aren't these bleeding heart fronds wonderful? Like hands reaching for the sky - it's like a dance piece!

epimedium dripping

epimedium dripping, originally uploaded by jahansell.

I'm trying not to do too many flower photos (though it's hard this time of year)!- but the water dripping off the new epimedium leaves just caught my eye!

Cloudy lake

Cloudy lake, originally uploaded by jahansell.

I drove up Dakin Road past Mole Hill Farm the other day - it's awfully pretty up there, even on a cloudy day. I've found another new area too - when I went running on my usual route, I turned left instead of right - I didn't have my camera but I'll be going back soon to Mitchelltown Road.

Who loves NYC? Raise your hand!

everybody raise your hand, originally uploaded by jahansell.

This theme day is either a tribute to, or a picture from, another city and I happened to be in NYC the other day, snapping away. Eric often does shots of interesting store windows, so I grabbed this when I saw it!

Here are all the other Daily City Photoblogs - do you suppose any of them are posting picture of Sharon? Take a trip around the world and find out!
Monte Carlo, Monaco - Rome, Italy - Singapore, Singapore - Tenerife, Spain - Rotterdam, Netherlands - London, UK -
Montréal (QC), Canada - Melbourne, Australia - Naples (FL), USA - Bastia, France - Hong Kong, China - Mazatlan, Mexico - Buenos Aeres, Argentina - Manila, Philippines - Arradon, France - Madison (WI), USA - Evry, France - Seoul, Korea - Shanghai, China - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Sequim (WA), USA - Singapore, Singapore - Budapest, Hungary - Baziège, France - Hamburg, Germany - Toruń, Poland - Nelson, New Zealand - Madison (WI), USA - Vantaa, Finland - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Mainz, Germany - Dubai, UAE - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Cork, Ireland - Stockholm, Sweden - Menton, France - Tel Aviv, Israel - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Kitakami, Japan - Stayton (OR), USA - Szentes, Hungary - Stavanger, Norway - Grenoble, France - Villigen, Switzerland - Paris, France - Hyde, UK - Moscow, Russia - Joplin (MO), USA - Jakarta, Indonesia - Greenville (SC), USA - Cape Town, South Africa - Asheville (NC), USA - Seattle (WA), USA - Kyoto, Japan - nTokyo, Japan - Madrid, Spain - Auckland, New Zealand - Oulu, Finland - Lubbock (TX), USA - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Baton Rouge (LA), USA - Sydney, Australia - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Vancouver, Canada - Seattle (WA), USA - Selma (AL), USA - Chandler (AZ), USA - Sharon (CT), USA - Manila, Philippines - Lyon, France - New York City (NY), USA - Los Angeles (CA), USA - Brookville (OH), USA - Hayle, UK - Wailea (HI), USA - Saarbrücken, Germany - San Diego (CA), USA - Boston (MA), USA - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Cypress (TX), USA